Play in the street at an Open Streets event this summer

First held in 2011, Open Streets events have become an integral part of summer in Minneapolis. This summer, the popular bicycle- and pedestrian-oriented event expands to six neighborhoods.

During an Open Streets event, a significant length of a busy street is closed to automobile traffic for four to six hours to allow families and neighbors to walk, bike, skate, have fun and shop in a safe, car-free environment. The event helps promote environmentally friendly transportation choices such as walking, bicycling and mass transit. It also helps promote good public health by encouraging active, healthy lifestyles.

The season’s kickoff event will be the North Minneapolis Greenway Experience, where participants can also learn about the proposal to create a north Minneapolis greenway for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Open Streets event dates and locations:

Saturday, May 31North Minneapolis Greenway (Humboldt Avenue North and Girard Avenue North from Broadway Avenue North to 42nd Avenue North)

Open Streets Minneapolis events are officially sanctioned by the City of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis City Council authorized the Department of Public Works and the Police Department to provide in-kind services for the events. Financial sponsors include the City, Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Metro Transit, 89.3 The Current, car2go Minneapolis and Peace Coffee.